If you have a swimming pool, you need to take care of it with different pool chemicals to keep it clean and disinfected. Did you know there are important guidelines you need to follow for storing pool chemicals? We’ll discuss what you need to know about pool chemical storage, including common pool chemicals, where to store them, and pool chemical storage tips.
Common Pool Chemicals
In pools, chlorine is the most used chemical. Residential pools typically use trichlor or trichloro-S-triazinetrione chlorine because it dissolves slowly, contains a lot of chlorine, and is easy to use. Alternatively, bromine-containing compounds can make hypobromous acid. But these are usually used in hot tubs since bromine is more stable than chlorine at high temperatures.
Where to Store Your Pool Chemicals
Along with knowing how to store your pool chemicals, you should also know where to store them. Find an area with proper ventilation requirements for pool storage, such as an outdoor shed. Because pool chemicals shouldn’t go in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, the pool chemical shed’s location is important. It should be placed in a shady spot away from the sun’s heat if you live in a hot and humid area.
If you don’t have a shed, store pool chemicals outdoors. It’s less than ideal, but still doable if the temperature stays mild. If the temperature goes up, that can cause problems. If storing pool chemicals outdoors, keep them covered and out of direct sunlight – a shelf in a shady spot by your pool would work, if the chemicals won’t be disturbed.
Choose an indoor storage area if the temperature fluctuates from hot to cold. Similar rules apply to winter pool chemical storage in cold climates. Even though pool chemicals store better in cold temperatures than in hot ones, you should still store them indoors in a well-ventilated area until the frost melts.
Pool Chemical Storage Tips
In addition to deciding where to store your swimming pool chemicals, you also need to determine how to store them. It is best to store pool chemicals in a hard plastic bin with a tight-fitting lid. Separate chemicals that should never be mixed using several bins. More information will be provided later.
Additionally, keep them off the ground, but not above head level. Check your area’s pool chemical storage regulations to see if there are any other rules you need to follow. The following tips should be followed when storing pool chemicals. They’ll keep you, your family, and your guests happy while swimming.
Keep an eye out for little swimmers.
Store pool cleaning chemicals away from children and pets. Make sure any spills are cleaned up that curious pets or kids could get into.
Choose the right place.
You should store your pool chemicals in a dry and cool area that’s away from direct sunlight. Therefore, you shouldn’t store them near a heat source or an area that gets wet. An area of your backyard that is shady and away from a heat source would be perfect.
Keep chemical containers closed when not in use.
Close chemical containers when not in use. This prevents accidental spills.
Reusing empty chemical containers is not a good idea.
Despite the appeal of reducing, reusing, and recycling, it’s not a good idea to reuse empty chemical containers. In addition, transferring chemicals from one container to another or reusing pool chemical containers could lead to an unsafe situation. To store pool chemicals, use original containers with labels that are clearly legible. Chemical containers are designed for specific storage requirements, so don’t switch containers.
Even when mixing the same type of chemical with an old batch, you may create a reaction from the old residue, or create fumes. Keep your tools and measuring items clean and separate for each chemical. Whenever you mix pool chemicals, wear long sleeves, pants, and shoes that protect your feet from spills.
It is recommended that chemical containers be disposed of carefully when empty, in accordance with local jurisdictional requirements. Contact the pool supply store you purchased the chemicals from, dispose of them at a household hazardous waste facility in your area, contact the solid waste authority, or check with your local authority for details on how to dispose of them.
Be careful when storing chemicals.
Don’t stack your containers on shelves. Liquids should not be stored above dry pool chemicals. As a result, if liquid spills, it will not mix with dry products. It is also important to store pool chemicals so that they aren’t above your head but still out of reach of children. This prevents accidents and spills. Each pool chemical should be used according to the instructions on the label.
Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly.
Wash your hands thoroughly after handling any type of swimming pool chemical. It is important not to leave chemical residue on your hands.
Keep these far away.
When storing chemicals, don’t store them near
- Glue
- Paint
- Gasoline
- Fertilizers
- Herbicides
- Turpentine
- Grease or Oils
- Household Cleaners
- Flammable materials
If you store your chemicals in an outdoor shed, you may also store many of the items on this list. Store these items separately to prevent them from comingling.
Additionally, keep chemicals away from flammable items like gas lawn mowers and fire pits or grills.
Storage areas, pump rooms, pool decks, chemical safety equipment, and adjacent areas should only be cleaned with chemicals that are compatible with pool chemicals.
Store Pool Materials the Right Way
That’s what you need to know about pool chemical storage. Storing pool chemicals is part of pool ownership, but with these ideas, you’ll preserve your materials and keep your investment running well. That way you can enjoy your swimming pool!